Report: Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery could start season on PUP list

Alshon Jeffery Philadelphia Eagles

This offseason and into the preseason, there has been a lot of attention on the rehab process of Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz. However, one of his top receiving targets is rehabbing from an injury too, that could keep him out for an extended period of time.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Monday that Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is “progressing according to plan” but could stay on the physically unable to perform list to begin the regular season.

If Jeffery does start the regular season on the PUP list, he would miss the Eagles’ first six games and would be eligible to return in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers.

Jeffery is rehabbing from torn rotator cuff surgery, which he had after the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. The former Chicago Bears wideout suffered the injury during last year’s training camp and played through it.

With a banged up shoulder, Jeffery racked up 57 receptions (120 targets) for 789 yards and nine touchdowns. The Eagles rewarded Jeffery for his play towards the end of the season, signing him to a four-year, $52 million contract extension.

In addition to his play in the regular season, Jeffery also played a huge role in the Eagles’ postseason run.

Jeffery compiled 85 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the NFC championship game while adding 73 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl. 

A few days ago at training camp, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson was asked about Jeffery’s rehab and mentioned that he is currently in the “strength phase.”

“He’s doing a great job with his rehab. He is in I would say more the strength phase with the weights and that part,” said Pederson. “He’s still doing his lower body conditioning with running and doing some things that way with his legs, making sure his cardiovascular is good.”

“He can’t do a ton of stuff yet necessarily on the field because of the motion of the arm swing, but we can get him in the tanks, the pools, the Alter Gs, things like that, and get his cardio up. But kind of in the strength phase right now and really doing a nice job.”

The Eagles should not be in a hurry to rush Jeffery back because they still have a number of explosive offensive weapons across the board. If Jeffery does not play, then expect to see Mike Wallace, Nelson Agholor, and Mack Hollins receiving a lot of snaps.

Outside of wide receiver, Wentz will have tight ends Zach Ertz and rookie Dallas Goedert as receiving options along with a multitude of running backs.